A FARNHAM audiologist is appealing for anyone suffering from ringing in their ears to seek expert help as they may be facing the early signs of hearing loss and deafness.

Tinnitus is the name of the condition where people suffer with noises in their head or ears, which can sound like a buzzing, chirping, roaring, hissing, whistling or clicking.

According to the British Tinnitus Association more than six million people suffer from tinnitus in the UK, making it difficult for people to concentrate, work or sleep, but more worryingly is that without treatment the condition could lead to deafness.

Dr Gemma Gray, clinical scientist (audiology) and professional services manager at Leightons Opticians and Hearing Care in Farnham, said: “There is no cure for tinnitus, but we effectively treat tinnitus sufferers every day as there are plenty of ways to manage it.

“Sound enrichment therapy is a simple practice which can help. Because tinnitus is most noticeable in quiet environments, you may have difficulty falling asleep when bombarded by the unremitting ringing.

“This is one of the most frustrating aspects of the condition, and can lead to fatigue and anxiety. But by playing relaxing and repetitive audio, such as the sound of breaking waves or rainstorms, it can make it easier to deal with tinnitus. Also, leaving the radio on as low-level background noise can help mask symptoms.

“Sound enrichment can also be achieved by using maskers worn on your ears like hearing devices. These prove very effective by giving your ears and brain an external sound to concentrate on so that it can ignore the internal sounds of tinnitus.

“In more extreme cases , Tinnitus Retraining Therapy may be essential. This is a combination of sound enrichment therapy, along with a talking therapy like counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

“Frustration, depression, fear and anxiety are as much a part of tinnitus as the auditory noise and these feelings are valid responses. These therapies like CBT teaches sufferers coping strategies that prevent these feelings become overbearing and allow for a better quality of life.”

Leightons Opticians and Hearing Care, a family-run company with a history dating back to 1928, is offering free hearing assessments in all of its 34 stores throughout the south of England to help establish what is triggering tinnitus. If hearing loss is the cause, their hearing devices can also be tried for free.

For further information about tinnitus, or to book a hearing test visit the website www.leightons.co.uk.